Basic principles for the realisation

Architectural concrete has developed into one of the most important means of design in modern architecture. No other building material can be used and processed in such a versatile manner. Therefore, architectural concrete is used for almost all construction tasks. Through the design capabilities of the fresh concrete, virtually any shape and quality can be economically realised with the help of appropriate formwork systems and formlining. The different architectural concrete qualities are divided into four classes according to the DBV (German Concrete Association) pamphlet, "Architectural Concrete".

The creation of architectural concrete as a design element is influenced by the:

• formlining and formwork system
• concrete mix including type of cement and aggregates
• added pigments
• selection of a suitable release agent
• subsequent surface treatment such as washing, sanding, polishing and sand-blasting
• hydrophobizing impregnation, colour varnishing and coatings.

The development of the building material concrete with new concrete types such as high-strength, lightly-compacted and self-compacting concretes as well as fibre-reinforced concretes (steel and textile fibres) opens up further areas of application.

DIN 18217 "Concrete Surfaces and Formlining" is considered as the definitive standard for the construction of different kinds of concrete surfaces. Aesthetic references are not stipulated in this standard because there are no binding regulations for the production of architectural concrete. This is understandable as the creative intent of a planner cannot be standardised. His task is to describe as comprehensively and clearly as possible his individual ideas about the appearance of a concrete structural component.

With the DBV "Architectural Concrete" pamphlet which defines specific architectural concrete classes and the associated requirement criteria, good technical support is available to planners, those tendering contracts and contractors themselves. It is strongly recommended to put out to tender, assign and supply the services on the basis of this pamphlet.